A question I often get is: “Meditate? why, I am not a Buddhist?” The good news is; you don’t have to be! I started my meditation practice in Asia in 2007 and never stopped. Because it helps me get calm and get clear.
Many young professionals often experience pressure and feel stress. Especially now, as many of them are suddenly alone at home, with a lot of their work online. Stress can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, low energy and anxiety.
Check-in to check-out
What I have learned is that meditation can help. As you to check-in, you check-out of the external. Simply being in the present moment, helps you build Resilience because your focus shifts
*from outward to inward;
*from distraction to silence;
*from reactive to responsiveness.
It helps you self-regulate your feelings at a time when so much is happening and regulated for us. To practice what can work for you in your day-to-day.
Dropping into your body
When you meditate, your mind is clear, relaxed and focused inwardly. It’s not about dozing off, it’s about being alert and awake and at the same time not to be focused on the outside world. It requires a certain stillness and a one-pointed focus. Your mind will continue producing a stream of thoughts, but you learn to let them pass by and not get caught up in them.
As you drop into silence, into your heart, it’s as if the waves settle down and suddenly you can see the bottom of the river. Things are clear and distinct.
Practice
The important word here is Practice. Consistency is key. Research goes to show that it’s easier to create a habit when you do it about the same time, every day.
As we check-in and focus on our centre, we find calm. And let our breath lead in the eb and flow of our natural way. To find a rhythm that works for us. To find inner wisdom and strength.
Sit With Me
Every Tuesday at 10 AM, I guide a free 30-minute meditation for my clients and coachees.
And yesterday, I opened it up to a broader public until June 1.
If you feel you could benefit from a regular check-in, sign-up here: barbarapiper.org/sitwithme/
Hope to see you there!
Barbara Piper
‘Barbara is an expert in meaningful communication. She writes about compassion and takes a positive approach on health. As an ICF certified professional coach, she helps individuals and teams develop what are often referred to as ‘soft skills’ and what she calls the ‘hard skills’; (self)compassion, (self)awareness and meditation. By connecting to yourself first, you become more resilient.’